Though New York’s same-sex marriage law, passed this June, contains language saying churches won’t be forced to participate, the Rev. Jason McGuire, executive director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, said it’s “only a matter of time” until an activist tries to create a court case to remove that exemption.

“I officiate some weddings but not others,” he said. “This law does not protect me because I’m not on staff with one local church.

“One pastor I know said, ‘I didn’t need any protection until you passed this law.’ ”